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SONGS AND BALLADS |
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ENGLAND'S TRIUMPH AT SEA [1691].
A mighty great fleet, the like was ne're seen Since the reign of King William and Mary his Queen, Design'd the destruction of France to have been: Which nobody can deny.
This fleet was compos'd of English and Dutch, For ships, guns, and men there was never seen such ; Nor so little done, when expected so much : Which nobody can deny.
Eighty-six ships of war, which we capitall call, Besides frigats and tenders, and yachts that are small, Sayl'd out, and did little or nothing at all: Which nobody can deny.
Thirty-nine thousand and five hundred brave men, Had they chanc'd to have met the French fleet, O then, As they beat 'em last year, they'd have beat 'em agen : Which nobody can deny.
Six thousand great guns, and seventy-eight more, As great and as good as ever did roar; It had been the same thing had they left 'em ashore Which nobody can deny.
Torrington now must command 'em no more, For we try'd what mettal he was made on before, And 'tis better for him on land for to whore, Which nobody can deny.
For a bullet, perhaps, from a rude cannon's breach, Which makes no distinction betwixt poor and rich, Instead of his dog might have ta'ne off his bitch, Which nobody can deny.
But Russell, the cherry-cheekt Russell, is chose His fine self and his fleet at sea to expose ; But he will take care how he meets with his foes, Which nobody can deny. |
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